Top 25 Bordeaux Wines Less Than $35

When most people think of French wine, they see high dollar figures. However, it is still possible to enjoy a solid Bordeaux under $35, and some even sell for under $10. Affordable Bordeaux wines don't have to be garish or overripe, either; there are plenty of options on the market that are appropriate for a quiet meal with family.

1- 2005 Château des Judes

You can find this Bordeaux wine for around $7.99 in the United States, but no one would know the difference. It is not as fruity as some of the other Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon blends and carries the subtle oakey flavor of the Merlot.

2- 2007 Grand Bordieu

A Graves wine with a subtle ripe texture, this affordable Bordeaux wine costs around $15 in the States and is one of the best Bordeaux whites you will find on this list. The later vintages (2006 +) are best, but it can be difficult to find.

3- 2001 Château Couronneau Bordeaux Superieur

The Château Couronneau is an affordable Bordeaux blend with a very complicated flavor and a very earthy finish. It costs around $12.98 and is best served after breathing for at least a couple of hours.

4- 2005 Château Bonnet Rouge

Priced at just under $15, the Château Bonnet Rouge is a prime example of pleasant, inexpensive French wine. It is one of the darkest wines you will find on this list, with a very fulfilling texture and the perfect combination of sweet black cherries and musky spices.

5- 2000 Château La Cornelle

Most of the wines coming from the Fronsac region of Bordeaux are more expensive, but this Cornelle goes for under $20, and offers a rich balance of Merlot and Cabernet with tart undertones and a very sleek finish.

6- 2005 Château Sénéjac

Of all the affordable Bordeaux wines, this is perhaps one of the most sophisticated. Priced at $33.99, it ages well and brings with it a medium-bodied texture and subtle mix of fruits.

7- 2005 Château de Parenchère

Another complex and fruity offering, the 2005 Château de Parenchère is one of the most affordable Bordeaux wines for the taste and texture, costing about $15. You might want to let this one sit in your pantry or cellar for another five years or so to get the full appeal.

8- 2002 Château Haut-Batailley

According to BlanchardsLiquor.com, 2002 was not the best year for French wine, and you can therefore find pricey bottles at better prices. The 2002 Château Haut-Batailley is sweet and heavily layered at $25.

9- 2005 La Tour Blanche

Retailing at around $34, the 2005 La Tour Blanche is a fine dessert wine with a balance of honey, black cherry and other fruits.

10- 2006 Mouton Cadet White

If you enjoy floral whites, the 2006 Mouton Cadet is the perfect affordable Bordeaux wine. It is sweet and pungent with a slightly ripe finish.

11- 2005 Château du Grand Mouëys

Although not a French wine you want to pack away for several years, the Château du Grand Mouëys is a fine, aromatic Bordeaux with unique full-bodied flavor. You can usually find it for under $10.

12- 2008 Graville Lacoste

If you are looking for an elegant, affordable Bordeaux white, the 2008 Graville Lacoste is a perfect choice at $25. Enjoy subtle flavors of peach and honey.

13- 2005 Château Montaiguillon

Spicy with a hint of cedar, the 2005 Château Montaiguillon is an affordable Bordeaux wine at $20 per bottle.

14- 2002 Marquis de Chasse Bordeaux Blanc

You might be hard-pressed to find this inexpensive French wine, which retails at about $12, but grab it if you do. It goes perfectly with a fresh salad or a filet of fish, and is best served chilled.

15- 2006 Château Lamothe Cuvée Sélection

Smooth and silky with a hint of clay and minerality, the 2006 Château Lamothe Cuvée Sélection is a treat at $16.99. Try also the 2005 and 2007 vintages.

16- 2002 Champy Beaune Champs Pimont

One of the most classic Bordeaux wine bottles on this list, you will find that the complexity and smooth finish are well worth the $29.95 price tag.

17- 2005 Domaine du Bouscat

The 2005 Domaine du Bouscat is very easy to drink, and perfect with steak or by itself. You'll find it for as little as $12, though some sellers have raised the price to $15.

18- 2005 Guiraud Cheval Blanc Cotes de Bourg

If you are looking for a rich affordable Bordeaux wine, this is the perfect choice. Sweet and full-bodied with a slightly acidic finish, this vintage sells for around $13.99.

19- 2005 Château de Chambrun

Retailing at around $35, the Château de Chambrun is rich and decadent for the highly evolved palate.

20- 2000 Château Pavie

Highly regarded as one of the best affordable Bordeaux wine options, the Château Pavie is resinous and mineral with a long finish.

21- 2006 Château d'Arcins

One of the best bargains in French wine, the Château d'Arcins provides a rich addition to any meal, with a smooth finish and silky texture.

22- Château la Rose du Pin

Enjoyed best with fish or poultry, the Château la Rose du Pin costs less than $15.

23- 2005 Château de Chantegrive Graves

Hailing from the Graves region of France, the Château de Chantegrive is an award-winning $20 bottle that won't disappoint.

24- 2003 Chateau de Birot

With flavors of cedar and pine and pencil lead, the Chateau de Birot of 2003 is a complex and layered choice for any meal.

25- 2004 Les Vignes du Soir

Medium-bodied with a high percentage of Merlot, Les Vignes du Soir is an earthy Bordeaux blend with a smooth finish for under $10.

Sources:

The Wine Center, Grand Bordieu
WineAccess.com, 2007 Chateau Couronneau Bordeaux Superieur
WineLibrary.com, Château Sénéjac
Snooth.com, 2005 Chateau Parenchere
BlanchardsLiquor.com, Who Says Bordeaux Has to Be Expensive?
WeDefineWine.com, Château du Grand Mouëys